Showered and dressed, she drank coffee in the sun on the lapa stairs. On one hand, she wished that there was a way of finding out how Clare was. On the other, she was grateful that there wasn’t; as long as she didn’t know, she could continue to hope for the best.

“Be alive, Clare,” she said. “For after all, life is all we have.”

She heard the rumble of an engine and the sound of wheels struggling over the dongas. Faye stood near the cabin and watched as a Land Cruiser approached. A young man climbed out, and shaking her hand, introduced himself as Simon. He and his colleagues, he explained, had managed to pile sacks of sand over the river to create a temporary causeway safe enough to drive across.

“Do you have news of Clare? My friend who was helicoptered to hospital last night?” asked Faye.

“They were unable to operate last night. The doctors said they needed to stabilise her first,” he said. “I left early this morning. My colleague said she’d radio as soon as they have news. Nothing yet.”

Faye was quiet as Simon helped her load the bags and supplies into the vehicle.

“Geoffrey and Bruce drove to the hospital last night,” he said. “The others are waiting at our offices for you.”

She pushed the final bag into the cab without responding.

“Hopefully, when we get back to the office there’ll be some good news,” Simon continued.

Faye nodded and climbed into the vehicle.

Diane, Bev and Helen were sitting on the bench when Simon pulled up. They jumped to their feet and hurried to the car, embracing Faye as she stood. There were tears and a few words. Simon beckoned Diane. The pair took several steps away from the group together, talking quietly. Diane returned and Simon went into the office.

“Our stuff will be brought to the cottage,” said Diane. “Shall we go there? Are you hungry, Faye? Thirsty?”

“No. Thanks. Where’s—”

“Faye, there’s something I have to tell you—about Derek.”

“I know,” she said.

“What?” Diane glanced towards the office. “But—”

“He knew about the storm. The rangers warned Derek before we began the hike. They told him we shouldn’t leave Heuningbos if there were any signs of bad weather.”

Helen and Bev glanced at one another. Diane placed a hand on Faye’s shoulder. “Yes. We know. They told us. But it’s not that.” She hesitated. “Faye, Derek is missing.”

“Missing?” Faye leaned back against the car.

“After Geoffrey told us about Clare—Bruce and I were with Simon when we found him on the track on his way here—and Simon had radioed the office to organise the rescue, we went to Grootkloof to fetch him. But Derek wasn’t there.”

“But that was two days ago.”

“Yes.”

“And still—”

Diane shook her head. “Simon has gone to find out if there’s any news.”

“About Clare?”